Acting President Choi Sang-mok: "Heavy Responsibility in Current Situation, Sincerely Apologize to the People"

Choe Sang-mok, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance Photo by Yonhap News

Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, issued a public statement on the 27th regarding the passage of the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Deok-su, stating, "As a member of the State Council, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the current situation," and expressed, "I sincerely apologize to the people."

Acting Prime Minister Choi emphasized, "At this time, minimizing confusion in state affairs is of utmost importance," and pledged, "I will do my best to ensure national stability." He added, "We will spare no effort to maintain the nation's security, a steady economy, and stable public order so that the country's safety and the daily lives of the people remain unshaken."

He then addressed the public officials, saying, "The role of public servants, who serve all citizens, becomes even more important when the country faces difficulties," and urged, "For stable governance, I ask everyone to fulfill their responsibilities without any negligence in their respective positions."

Furthermore, he remarked, "The Republic of Korea has wisely overcome numerous crises in the past," and stated, "Although the country is once again facing hardships, I am confident that the current crisis can be overcome if the mature civic consciousness of the people and the government's responsible response come together."

The duties of Prime Minister Han, who had served as Acting President on behalf of President Yoon Seok-youl, were suspended at 5:16 p.m. on the same day following the National Assembly's passage of the impeachment motion. According to Article 26 of the Government Organization Act, Deputy Prime Minister Choi succeeded as Acting President.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.